BUG Case Studies

Since it began in 2008, the BUG Programme has helped a number of bright entrepreneurs start their own businesses. Here are a selection of former BUG participants who have successfully started their own businesses following completion of the BUG Programme.

Active Krag Maga - Joanna and Anna Surowiec
2010 Winner

Active Krag Maga offers training in the highly effective battle tested Israeli system of self defence, fighting skills and defensive tactics.

www.activekravmaga.co.uk

BlackByrds - Lizzie Harkness
2011 Runner-Up

Details to come

GF Drums - Emmanuel Akintunde
2009 Finalist

GF Drums is an acclaimed UK drum fitness/tuition company taking pride in the development of alternative fitness regimes. GF Drums website

www.gfdrums.com

www.twitter.com/gfdrums

Pinnell Productions - Ian Pinnell
2010 Runner-up

Pinnell Productions is the home of voiceover artist and imaging producer Ian Pinnell.

www.pinnellproductions.co.uk

Smart Notebooks - Riz Galiyara
2009 Winner

Smart Notebooks publishes free co-branded multi-subject notebooks for colleges and universities across the UK.

www.smartnotebooks.co.uk

The Cotswold Deli - Russell Gibbard
2008 Finalist

The Cotswold Deli serves a selection of carefully sourced local products from the finest producers the Cotswolds has to offer.

www.thecotswolddeli.co.uk

The Vanilla Pod Bakery - Pia Cato
2008 Winner

The Vanilla Pod Bakery creates delicious, celebration treats for people who want more than just a cake.

Since winning the BUG Competition in 2008 Pia Cato has gone on to launch her business in using the winning business plan as a guide. Pia now operates The Vanilla Pod Bakery, a specialist cake bakery, from a small kitchen unit in central Cheltenham. Her ambition is still to open a cake boutique/tea rooms but for now Pia specialises in baking to order (wedding cakes, birthday cakes, corporate cakes) and selling produce in local cafes, and at farmers markets and events throughout Gloucestershire.
For more information please visit Pia's website: